Cardiologist offers tips to stay safe while shoveling

ALBANY >> With more snow reportedly on the way this week, and months of winter left, Albany Medical Center’s top cardiologist is offering tips to stay safe while shoveling.

Edward Philbin, M.D., chief of cardiology at AMC, says adults should take simple precautions to guard against the unique stresses shoveling snow can have on the heart.

“Snow shoveling may pose a slightly greater risk than other forms of vigorous physical activity because it is performed in a cold environment — which increases cardiac stress — and because most snow shovelers attack the job without a warm-up and generally overdo it.”

He offers these tips to all snow shovelers:

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Consult a physician before engaging in vigorous physical activity such as snow shoveling if you are typically sedentary, especially if middle-aged or older, or are otherwise at risk for heart disease.

Dress warmly — including gloves and a head covering — because hypothermia can increase cardiac stress.

Treat it like exercise by easing into the shoveling job to warm up, shoveling lighter loads and taking regular breaks.

Shovel with a buddy, or at least have someone check on you at regular intervals.

Avoid alcohol, which increases the risk for hypothermia and may also cloud judgment.

Be mindful of the signs of heart attack, and call 911 if they occur.

Practice heart-healthy behaviors such as a healthy diet and regular exercise year-round to reduce the risk for heart attacks, including those that might occur while shoveling snow.

“Remember that this is not an Olympic event, and there are no gold medals,” Philbin said, adding that people who are physically fit or without heart disease generally have no problem with snow shoveling, and that patients with stable heart problems who exercise regularly and follow their doctor’s treatment plans can shovel snow safely if they pace themselves and take regular breaks.